Sulnox Group plc (Sulnox) on Monday (22 June) announced the signing of its largest commercial agreement to date with Singapore-based shipping firm Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS). 

The new four-year agreement will significantly expand deployment of Sulnox Eco™ across the EPS fleet, increasing usage from approximately 30 vessels to more than 50 vessels. The agreement covers the supply of approximately 1.2 million litres of Sulnox Eco over the contract term and is accompanied by an increase in EPS Ventures’ strategic investment in Sulnox.

The agreement follows more than two years of operational deployment and validation across a range of vessel types, including container ships, bulk carriers, tankers and vehicle carriers. During this period, EPS reported fuel savings of between 3% and 5%, alongside reductions in visible black smoke emissions, cleaner engine conditions, lower sludge generation and improved fuel performance.

With a history spanning more than 60 years, EPS manages a fleet of more than 350 vessels across the container, tanker, dry bulk, gas and vehicle carrier sectors and has a global workforce of approximately 8,000. 

Since commencing its partnership with Sulnox, EPS has steadily expanded deployment of Sulnox Eco across its fleet and supported a range of technical validation initiatives. Among these was independent testing commissioned by EPS, which demonstrated lubricity improvements of between 20% and 23% in Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO). The results provided additional evidence of Sulnox Eco’s ability to address lubricity challenges associated with lower-sulphur fuels while supporting engine protection and operational reliability.

As biofuel adoption continues to accelerate across the shipping industry, EPS has also reported positive results from the use of Sulnox Eco alongside biofuel blends. Operational experience and independent testing have indicated benefits relating to fuel stability, lubricity and engine cleanliness, helping support reliable vessel operations while optimising fuel performance. The wider fleet deployment will include newbuilds, reflecting confidence in Sulnox Eco’s ability to deliver operational benefits across both existing and newly delivered vessels.

The agreement also strengthens the strategic collaboration between the two companies. EPS will continue to support Sulnox’s research, development and validation programmes through operational testing and real-world deployment. Areas of collaboration are expected to include fuel efficiency optimisation, emissions reduction, biofuel performance and other technologies designed to support the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts.

Alongside the supply agreement, EPS Ventures will increase its strategic investment in Sulnox through the subscription of additional shares under the agreement. Subject to the relevant conditions being met, EPS Ventures’ shareholding is expected to increase from approximately 6.5% to 13.9%. The increased investment further aligns the interests of both organisations and reflects EPS’s confidence in Sulnox’s technology, commercial potential and long-term relevance to the maritime sector.

Ben Richardson, CEO of Sulnox, commented: “EPS has already proven to be much more than a customer. Its operational validation, technical expertise and industry introductions have helped accelerate our commercial development and strengthen our position within the global shipping sector.

“Moving from a successful evaluation programme and initial deployment to a major long-term agreement and increased shareholding endorses the value Sulnox Eco continues to deliver in real-world operations. We look forward to continuing to work closely with EPS as we expand adoption across the maritime sector and develop the next generation of efficiency and decarbonisation technologies.”

Sachin Saharawat, Technical Director, EPS, said: “Improving efficiency and reducing emissions remain key priorities for EPS. Over the past two years, Sulnox Eco has demonstrated measurable benefits across multiple vessel types, fuel applications and operating environments. Across different vessel segments and fuel types, we have observed consistent improvements in fuel performance, engine cleanliness and operational efficiency. 

“The expanded deployment reflects our confidence in the results achieved to date and our belief that practical, scalable technologies such as Sulnox Eco can play an important role in helping the shipping industry improve efficiency and support its decarbonisation ambitions.”

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 23 June, 2026

Bunker Holding’s physical supply division, Bunker One, on Monday (22 June) said it has positioned a dedicated supply barge in the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour, with operations commencing in July 2026.

The company said the addition of this unit strengthens its supply position in Aberdeen and provides customers with reliable access to Marine Gas Oil (MGO) through a dedicated physical presence in the harbour.

“South Harbour continues to play an increasingly important role in regional maritime activity,” the company said.

“Establishing local supply capability enhances security of supply, increases operational flexibility, and enables a more responsive service for customers operating in the area.”

Bunker One added that this investment forms part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen physical supply capabilities across key locations and ensure dependable fuel availability where it matters most. 

Photo credit: Bunker One
Published: 23 June, 2026

Switzerland’s energy producer Axpo on Monday (22 June) said the company completed its first ship-to-ship bio liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation in the port of Barcelona. 

Mitsui OSK Lines’s (MOL) vehicle carrier Lapis Ace received bio-LNG from Axpo’s bunkering vessel Green Pearl, marking another milestone in the development of alternative marine fuels infrastructure and services in Spain. 

Reinforcing its commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels, this latest ship-to-ship bio-LNG bunkering operation demonstrates Axpo’s expanding capability to serve leading shipping operators across major ports in Spain. 

Axpo’s Head of Small-Scale LNG Daniele Corti, said: “The refuelling operation with MOL in Barcelona represents another key moment for LNG adoption in Spain. We’re not only developing infrastructure. We’re proving that alternative marine fuels can be operationally reliable and cost-effective. 

“As demand for LNG and bio-LNG continues to increase, Axpo’s growing operations in Málaga, Algeciras and now Barcelona demonstrate that this is no longer a niche market. It is a critical stepping stone in the maritime industry’s transition to a lower-carbon future.”

Axpo has been selected to supply bio-LNG fuel to MOL across the Mediterranean, providing bunkering services at the Spanish ports of Málaga and Barcelona. The agreement expands Axpo’s role in lower-emission maritime transport and builds on its existing Western European supply partnership with MOL, which began in March 2025.

Axpo’s presence in Spanish ports has grown substantially over the past year. In April 2025, the company completed its first LNG delivery in Málaga, followed by successful operations in Algeciras and Sines (Portugal). 

These milestones were made possible by Axpo’s 7,500-cubic-metre small-scale LNG vessel Green Pearl, improving the speed, flexibility and efficiency of bunkering operations across the Mediterranean. Axpo currently also holds a licence to operate in the port of Valencia.

In Italy, Axpo conducted the country’s first ship-to-ship bio-LNG refuelling in December 2025. Shortly afterwards, in March 2026, the bunkering vessel Alisios LNG, chartered by Axpo, was launched at the port of Huelva in southwestern Spain. 

Axpo’s ten-year charter of the Green Pearl and ongoing expansion of its bio-LNG portfolio reflect the company’s belief that industry collaboration is essential to achieving global emissions targets. By partnering with leading shipping operators like MOL and MSC, Axpo is demonstrating how coordinated action can accelerate the maritime sector’s shift toward cleaner fuels.

Related: MOL inks bio-LNG bunker fuel supply deals with Titan and Axpo for car carriers in Europe

Photo credit: Daniele Corti
Published: 23 June, 2026